The New Iberia City Council moved on multiple items aimed at clearing blighted properties: it awarded demolition contracts for the fiscal-year clearance program, held public hearings for several dilapidated properties, and set deadlines for owners to remove structures or face city-led demolition.

Contracts and awards: Council approved Resolution 25141 awarding a demolition contract to Lathan Construction LLC and Resolution 25142 awarding a demolition contract to LMK Demolition LLC for the FY2023 clearance program. Staff said these contracts are intended for properties requiring asbestos abatement and removal.

Public hearings and outcomes: The council held public hearings on several addresses and made case-by-case determinations.

- 722 Hopkins St. (Resolution 25145): Neighbors and a former council member testified that the burned/dilapidated house has been a neighborhood eyesore for years. The owner had visited city offices seeking a permit; after discussion the council voted to give the owner 60 days to obtain permits and complete demolition or to start demolition, after which the city will proceed to remove the structure if not completed. Staff noted that the city'led abatement and bid process can take about six months once it begins because of asbestos testing and remediation.

- 840 Week St. (Resolution 25146): The owner reported he had purchased a permit and begun salvage/demolition work; the council honored the existing permit and scheduled a revisit/check-in for its next meeting (January 6) to verify progress.

- 519 Silver St. (Resolution 25147): Many owners are out of state and did not respond to notice; the property is adjudicated. Council set a 30-day timeline for owner action before city demolition.

- 614 Lombard St. (Resolution 25148): Staff said the structure is unsafe; certified and regular notices were returned undelivered. The council directed that the property be posted and slated for city action in 30 days (council discussed an urgent 24-hour option for immediate danger in some cases).

- 812 Nair St. (Resolution 25149): The property showed signs of repeated trespass and interior destruction; several owners were notified with limited response. Council gave 30 days for owner action before city-led removal.

Staff cautioned that even after a council order to demolish, the city must advertise bids, conduct asbestos/abatement testing and remediation if required, and then contract the work; staff estimated that those steps can extend completion by several months. The council discussed prioritizing trailers and certain lots for faster demolition where repair is not feasible and encouraged owners who intend to remove structures themselves to obtain permits promptly.

Ending: The council emphasized stopping neighborhood blight, protecting adjacent property values, and speeding the process where structures cannot be saved. Several demolition awards and firm owner deadlines reflect an attempt to balance due process with prompt removal of dangerous structures.